Auto dealers appeal for reopening of Mechanic Village

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January 5, 2018 2:28 PM

Mr Okoli Sunday, the Chairman, Auto Spare Parts Association in the state told newsmen in Yenagoa that the closure had caused setbacks to their businesses.

Auto spare part dealers in Bayelsa on Friday appealed to the state government to reopen the Mechanic Village shut since Dec. 18, 2017.

Mr Okoli Sunday, the Chairman, Auto Spare Parts Association in the state told newsmen in Yenagoa that the closure had caused setbacks to their businesses.

Okoli said that the association members had always paid their taxes and rents.

“We do not know how the issue of non-payment of tax and rents came up because we have always paid our rents through the Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association, who are in charge of the shops in the market.

“From what we learnt, out of the 484 shops in the mechanic village, only 78 are being accounted for,” he alleged.

Okoli appealed to the state government to reconsider the reopening of the village and dialogue with the auto dealers because the dealers were facing untold hardship.

An official, who preferred anonymity in the State Ministry of Trade and Investment, said the permanent secretary was not on seat to comment on the matter.

“The permanent secretary was around some hours ago, but he has gone out for an official duty.

“The ministry has no commissioner yet and no other person can speak on the matter,” the official said.

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